Juncos Hollinger Racing announced on Thursday that Agustin Canapino will drive the No. 78 Dallara-Chevrolet full-time for the 2023 NTT IndyCar season. Canapino has previous experience as a JHR driver in 2019 when he formed part of its Cadillac DPi entry at the Daytona 24h and the 12 Hours of Sebring.
The 32-year-old from Arrecifes, Argentina, finished third in the Super TC2000 points standings. He won four poles, three races, and nine podium finishes in 20 races. He is a two-time Super TC2000 champion. In addition, Canapino competed in the Turismo Carretera series with five poles, three wins, and six podium finishes in 15 races, finishing third in the championship. Overall, Canapino won nine poles, six wins, and 17 podium finishes in 37 races.
“For me, this is a great opportunity, so I am very grateful to Ricardo Juncos, Brad Hollinger, to the Circuit of Termas de Río Hondo, and all the sponsors that are making this possible,” Canapino said. “I’m going to do my best in every moment to get the best possible results.
“I’m going in with my mind set on learning and going step-by-step, but I’m also focused on evolving throughout the season. The goal is to finish the races, get to know the car, and the circuits – especially the ovals.”
In October, Canapino ran a private test for Juncos Hollinger Racing at Sebring International Raceway. Canapino is the first Argentina driver since Juan Manuel Fangio II in the 90s to compete in IndyCar full-time.
“For me, this is a great opportunity, so I am very grateful to Ricardo Juncos, Brad Hollinger, and all the sponsors that are making this possible. I’m going to do my best in every moment to get the best possible results.”
“I’m going in with my mind set on learning and going step-by-step, but I’m also focused on evolving throughout the season. The goal is to finish the races, get to know the car, and the circuits – especially the ovals.”
“IndyCar is the most competitive and difficult category in the world, and the cars are the most demanding and require the maximum effort and preparation on my part. I am happy to take on this challenge and I’m motivated to perform well and repay those that have trusted me with this opportunity.”
Canapino has won a total of 16 championships in the Super TC2000, Turismo Carretera, Copa de Oro Rio Uruguay Seguros TC, Top Race V6, Torneo Clausura, and TC Pista. He has competed in 630 races with 107 poles, 103 wins, and 241 podium finishes.
“To be able to communicate this news today is incredible for me and my team. It has been more than 20 years since I came to North American motorsports. It has been a long road of uninterrupted hard work in which I have been fulfilling different dreams, and to see this particular one becoming a reality is truly incredible,” he explained.
“After a complete analysis of each of the driver options we had to drive our No. 78 car, we have made the decision that Agustín Canapino is the right choice. Both Brad [Hollinger] and I have full confidence in his ability.”
“With a very successful racing career in Argentina behind him, he exceeded all expectations when he trained at Sebring, and he’s confirmed that talent with what we’ve seen in his driving since.”
Canapino will make his IndyCar debut on Sunday, March 5th, from Streets of St. Petersburg at noon on NBC.
